The Best Builders in Lower Hutt
Updated 6 May 2025
Summary:
Our Lower Hutt builder guide covers:
- Asking for quotes and picking a builder is a big job and a lot of careful consideration is needed. Whether you're renovating, extending, adding a feature or building a work from the ground up, having a trusted builder is essential. If you're at the quote stage, the next step involves finding a reliable and trusted builder in Lower Hutt who can take your dream to reality.
- To help you and put you in the strongest position, we've handpicked a list of reliable, affordable and trusted builders in Lower Hutt to save you time and money.
Our Lower Hutt builder guide covers:
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MoneyHub's Top Trusted Lower Hutt Builder
- Our research highlighted the leading builders in Lower Hutt who deliver exceptional results for their clients.
- We suggest contacting Kiwi Built —our top builder has proven reviews and has delivered outstanding results to Lower Hutt residents just like you.
- For expert tips and advice, read the Home Renovation Guide by Kiwi Built, designed to help you plan and execute your project with confidence.
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How Much Should I Pay a Builder?
As a rough guide, around a third of the budget for any self-build or renovation project goes into labour costs. Unlike basic DIY projects, few people have the skills builders have. Hiring a builder outsources all the risk and project management, including finding specialists for specific work.
If you project manage the building project yourself, you’ll save on labour costs but be heavily involved in the day-to-day progress. You will also have to manage deliveries, schedule work, assess the quality of work done and come up with a plan if things go wrong.
Be Aware: Labour shortages are rife all over Lower Hutt
Right now in Lower Hutt there is, generally, a lack of builders. Finding tradespeople who are available has become a problem. This means that the most experienced builders are able to command a higher price given the demand for their services.
If you project manage the building project yourself, you’ll save on labour costs but be heavily involved in the day-to-day progress. You will also have to manage deliveries, schedule work, assess the quality of work done and come up with a plan if things go wrong.
Be Aware: Labour shortages are rife all over Lower Hutt
Right now in Lower Hutt there is, generally, a lack of builders. Finding tradespeople who are available has become a problem. This means that the most experienced builders are able to command a higher price given the demand for their services.
​
How to Get Realistic Quotes from Builders
Whatever your project, be it a new house or simple extension, getting building quotes is time-consuming but fundamental to your plans. Rush the quote process, and you could be stuck with a big bill, a lousy job, or both. Simply agreeing to the first quote is unwise, as there are many reasons why prices will vary between builder. We outline a suggested process to get the best quotes and ….
Understand what an estimate or quote actually is
The jargon used for building projects can be unfamiliar. To make things simple:
Be 100% clear about the work required
As you’d expect, the more information you give, and the more specific you are, the more accurate your quote will be. You’ll know upfront what the likely costs are, rather than finding out extras have been added on because your design specification didn’t include important essentials. If your specification is not clear, any fixed-price quote may be meaningless due to the additional costs incurred to complete the project.
Understand why do quotes vary so much
After completing your design specification, the next step is to ask several trusted builders (our list of top 5 Lower Hutt builders below is a good start) for a quote. You will almost certainly get a range of estimates and quotes, due to a few factors we explain next:
Warning: Cheap Quote vs Final Cost
Understand what an estimate or quote actually is
The jargon used for building projects can be unfamiliar. To make things simple:
- An ‘estimate’ is just that: an informed but non-binding guess of what a job might cost. You will receive an estimate most often on renovation work, where it’s not completely clear what the full extent of the job will be.
- A ‘fixed-price quote’ is an agreed price based on work shown on a drawing or specific design. As long as nothing changes, the fixed-price quote is the total of what you will pay. Any variations to the specific design will incur an ‘extra over’ cost, which will be advised to you before work is carried out.
Be 100% clear about the work required
As you’d expect, the more information you give, and the more specific you are, the more accurate your quote will be. You’ll know upfront what the likely costs are, rather than finding out extras have been added on because your design specification didn’t include important essentials. If your specification is not clear, any fixed-price quote may be meaningless due to the additional costs incurred to complete the project.
Understand why do quotes vary so much
After completing your design specification, the next step is to ask several trusted builders (our list of top 5 Lower Hutt builders below is a good start) for a quote. You will almost certainly get a range of estimates and quotes, due to a few factors we explain next:
- Demand – Lower Hutt, generally, is a high-demand building region. Builders know that someone is always willing to pay the going rate, even if that’s not going to be you. For this reason, builders who are available will quote less, whereas those with firm orders booked up months in advance will quote higher, or not at all.
- Single quotes – If you’ve got a pre-existing relationship with a builder, or been referred one in particular, the builder may know you’re only sourcing one quote. This means they know they are setting the market, so it may be higher because you prefer to go with them.
- Bait and Upgrade – Builders know that once a job is accepted and work starts, it’s very unlikely they’ll be kicked off. Because everyone loves a cheap quote, a builder pricing low can get a foot in the door. But this shouldn’t be agreed to without full consideration. A cheap quote can quickly be irrelevant if there are charges for additional work not included. This is the major reason why being as detailed as possible in your building specification is essential.
Warning: Cheap Quote vs Final Cost
- There’s a big difference between a cheap quote and a quote that offers value-for-money. If one is significantly lower than the others, then be very careful about accepting it.
- The more detailed the quote, the better, especially around pricing. A
- price-breakdown that shows everything covered and specifies what everything will cost is best. This lets you compare like-for-like.
- If you want more detail, or for some prices to be verified, ask the builder - there is no point in staying in the dark, as you, and you only, are paying 100% of the costs.
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What Stages are Payments Made to a Builder?
- Agree a written specification for when payments will be made.
- Make payments when pre-agreed stages are completed. For example, make a payment when foundations are poured, when brickwork erected, when the roof is completed etc.
- As most builders will operate credit accounts at their merchants (i.e. Placemakers, ITM and Carters), so shouldn't require payments in advance. But, cash is king to every business - especially builders. For this reason, do your best to pay on-time as agreed without the builder needing to follow you up.
- You may want to agree a retention, i.e 5% for 6 months, or 3% for 12 months, to guarantee against faulty workmanship.
- Tell the truth to your builder, and establish a good working relationship by being responsive and reliable. It's a business relationship afterall.
How do I pay a builder?
Most builders accept a range of payment methods, including
As mentioned above, cash is king to building business. Pay on time to avoid any tension in your working relationship.
- Direct Credit (internet banking)
- Credit Card via the builder's website (this will only apply for smaller-sized transactions, and a surcharge may apply)
As mentioned above, cash is king to building business. Pay on time to avoid any tension in your working relationship.
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MoneyHub's Top Trusted Lower Hutt Builder
- Our research highlighted the leading builders in Lower Hutt who deliver exceptional results for their clients.
- We suggest contacting Kiwi Built —our top builder has proven reviews and has delivered outstanding results to Lower Hutt residents just like you.
- For expert tips and advice, read the Home Renovation Guide by Kiwi Built, designed to help you plan and execute your project with confidence.
Trusted Lower Hutt Builders
Our list below, which is no particular order, covers Lower Hutt. We have selected these based on their history of longstanding service within Lower Hutt, location and data extracted from internet reviews on Google Business, BuildersCrack, Facebook, TradeMe Services and others.
Kiwi Built
Areas served: Wellington wide
Base: Lower Hutt
Hours: Mon to Thurs 7:30 am – 5 pm, Fri 7:30 am – 4 pm
Google Review Rating: 4.9 (10+)
Website: Kiwi Built
Facebook Page: Kiwi Built
Email Address: [email protected]
Phone: 0210 618 817
Renovation Guide: Home Renovation Guide: Wellington – Expert insights from Kiwi Built to help you plan and execute your project with confidence.
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Base: Lower Hutt
Hours: Mon to Thurs 7:30 am – 5 pm, Fri 7:30 am – 4 pm
Google Review Rating: 4.9 (10+)
Website: Kiwi Built
Facebook Page: Kiwi Built
Email Address: [email protected]
Phone: 0210 618 817
Renovation Guide: Home Renovation Guide: Wellington – Expert insights from Kiwi Built to help you plan and execute your project with confidence.
Customer Feedback:
- Known for delivering high-quality renovations with attention to detail
- Provides expert advice that ensures no regrets about renovation decisions
- Skilled in creating indoor/outdoor flow through verandah designs
- Exceptional craftsmanship in restoring and enhancing features of older homes
- Experienced with intricate detailing, including custom mouldings and balustrades
- Keeps building sites clean and organised throughout the project
Pros:
- Licensed Building Practitioners and registered Master Builders
- The Kiwi Built App provides clients with daily updates, expense tracking, and seamless project management for real-time transparency and collaboration
- Over 24 years in the building industry, providing comprehensive services with a highly skilled team and an in-house designer to assist with custom designs
- Specialises in high-quality villa renovations, restorations, new builds, and bathroom projects
- Services include high-quality construction, custom architectural designs, expert villa renovations, and comprehensive building maintenance
Peaky Builders Ltd
Base: Lower Hutt
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am – 6 pm
Google Rating: 4.8 (10+)
Website: Peaky Builders Ltd
Facebook page: Peaky Builders Ltd
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 021 589 882
Service Areas: Wellington and surrounding regions
Customer Feedback:
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am – 6 pm
Google Rating: 4.8 (10+)
Website: Peaky Builders Ltd
Facebook page: Peaky Builders Ltd
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 021 589 882
Service Areas: Wellington and surrounding regions
Customer Feedback:
- Exceptional attention to detail with high-quality finishing work
- Trusted by design studios for consistent and precise execution
- Leaves work sites clean and tidy after every job
- Delivers outstanding results across complex renovation projects
- Reliable network of subtrades contributing to seamless project delivery
- Member of New Zealand Certified Builders Association (NZCB)
- Licensed Building Practitioners
- A SiteSafe member
- Offers fixed-price and cost-plus contracts for transparent, upfront pricing
- Backed by the Halo 10-Year Guarantee for long-term peace of mind
- Platinum Guarantee includes high workmanship standards, clear communication, and a post-build clean
- Experienced team of Licensed Building Practitioners with 50+ years combined industry experience
Vert Construction Ltd
Base: Mobile only
Hours: Mon to Sun 7 am – 9 pm
Google Rating: 5.0 (20+)
Phone: 022 140 6992
Website: Vert Construction Ltd
Facebook page: Vert Construction Ltd
Email address: [email protected]
Service Areas: Wellington and surrounding regions
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
Hours: Mon to Sun 7 am – 9 pm
Google Rating: 5.0 (20+)
Phone: 022 140 6992
Website: Vert Construction Ltd
Facebook page: Vert Construction Ltd
Email address: [email protected]
Service Areas: Wellington and surrounding regions
Customer Feedback:
- Highly professional team delivering excellent workmanship
- Consistently completes projects on time and within budget
- Expert in bathroom, kitchen, and deck renovations
- Provides personalised design solutions to fit customer needs
- Offers fair pricing with transparent options for unexpected costs
Pros:
- Licensed Building Practitioner
- Registered Master Builders
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- Specialises in custom new builds with full project management
- Handles home renovations, extensions, and makeovers tailored to client needs
- Offers expert services in smaller projects like bathrooms, kitchens, decking, and roofing
- Led by an experienced Licensed Building Practitioner with over 20 years in the industry
B K Patterson Builders Ltd
Base: Seaview, Lower Hutt
Hours: Tue to Fri 7:30 am – 5:30 pm, Sat 8 am – 1 pm
Google Rating: 5.0 (20+)
Phone: 0508 888 128
Website: B K Patterson Builders Ltd
Facebook page: B K Patterson Builders Ltd
Email address: [email protected]
Service Areas: Wellington and surrounding regions
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
Hours: Tue to Fri 7:30 am – 5:30 pm, Sat 8 am – 1 pm
Google Rating: 5.0 (20+)
Phone: 0508 888 128
Website: B K Patterson Builders Ltd
Facebook page: B K Patterson Builders Ltd
Email address: [email protected]
Service Areas: Wellington and surrounding regions
Customer Feedback:
- Trusted choice for renovation projects, consistently delivering high-quality results
- Excellent communication and project updates throughout the build
- Stays on schedule and within budget with efficient project management
- Clean, tidy, and professional workmanship
Pros:
- 30 years of industry experience
- Licensed Building Practitioner
- Registered Master Builders
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- Specialises in new home builds, offering both fully custom designs and pre-approved plans through Clever Living Co., with fixed pricing and full project management
- Handles high-quality renovations and home alterations, including kitchens, bathrooms, and layout changes, all backed by strong workmanship guarantees
- Offers commercial fit-outs for offices and apartments, managing everything from planning to completion for a seamless experience
​Smartway Builders Limited
Base: Tawa, Wellington
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am – 5 pm
Google Rating: 4.6 (20+)
Website: Smartway Builders Limited
Facebook: Smartway Builders Limited
Email address: Not specified
Phone: 021 030 4291
Service Areas: Wellington and surrounding regions
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am – 5 pm
Google Rating: 4.6 (20+)
Website: Smartway Builders Limited
Facebook: Smartway Builders Limited
Email address: Not specified
Phone: 021 030 4291
Service Areas: Wellington and surrounding regions
Customer Feedback:
- Skilled at transforming difficult spaces into functional and attractive areas
- Successfully completed complex projects other builders hesitated to take on
- Clear and transparent pricing with excellent communication throughout
- Reliable scheduling with consistent presence of trades on-site
Pros:
- Licensed Building Practitioners
- HazardCo member
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- Specialises in custom new home builds with flexible, modular pricing and full project management
- Handles major renovations and home extensions, including design, consents, and construction
- Offers end-to-end service with Licensed Building Practitioners and a comprehensive 21-point guarantee
- Focused on clear communication, delivering projects on time, on budget, and to a high standard
MoneyHub's Top Trusted Lower Hutt Builder
- Our research highlighted the leading builders in Lower Hutt who deliver exceptional results for their clients.
- We suggest contacting Kiwi Built —our top builder has proven reviews and has delivered outstanding results to Lower Hutt residents just like you.
- For expert tips and advice, read the Home Renovation Guide by Kiwi Built, designed to help you plan and execute your project with confidence.
⚠️ Disclaimer: MoneyHub.co.nz may have financial relationships with some businesses listed on this page due to their acceptance of our invite for additional promotion. We stand by the businesses we work with and believe them to be among the best. The pricing information provided is for informational and guidance purposes only and may not accurately represent the actual quotes or final bills for individual services. Our list should not be considered comprehensive. Please research and obtain quotes directly from a range of businesses to ensure accurate pricing and suitability for your needs.
